Australia coach Robbie Deans insisted their 23-19 victory over Argentina in the Rugby Championship should not be underestimated.

In their first Test on Australian soil since the 2003 World Cup, the Pumas' aggressive defence and suffocating style made it hard work for the Wallabies until the hosts put on 17 unanswered points in the second half to seal the victory.

"I wouldn't underestimate what we have just done. No side has played with any fluency against Argentina," Deans said. "I think we need to give them due respect. They've just come into the tournament and obviously, a big motivation for them is to earn respect.

"They've done that, and they've done that against every opponent. They're a tough team to play against. They're sticky, they're proud, they defend superbly well. Their tackling is remarkable. Give them credit."

And Deans believes Argentina, who led 19-6 midway through the second half, will continue to develop on the international stage and will become a formidable force when they can marry their passion and defensive strength with an attacking edge.

"They're potentially scary, absolutely," he said. "Once that anxiety goes out of it, I guess, they will start to play. They've got the capacity to play. They're very similar to the French, in the way they play their rugby - enormous pride, as good a pride you find in any side in world rugby.

"Taking that pride and combining it with some ambition in attack, anything's possible for them. They're going to get that done, and get it done quickly, off the back of this tournament."